- The CFTC has issued new guidance for a pilot program allowing the use of cryptocurrencies as collateral in derivatives markets.
- Only Bitcoin, Ether, and stablecoins are permitted for the first three months, with significant capital charge requirements aligned with the SEC.
- Firms must provide detailed notifications and weekly reports, with restrictions on using crypto for uncleared swaps.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission has provided detailed new guidance for its pilot program permitting crypto as margin collateral in derivatives markets. This notice, issued by the agency’s Market Participants and Clearing and Risk Divisions, responds to common questions about two foundational staff letters from last December.
Consequently, futures commission merchants must file a formal start date with the Market Participants Division to begin accepting crypto collateral. They are initially restricted to accepting only Bitcoin, Ether, or proprietary payment stablecoins for the first three months, according to the agency.
However, the framework mandates that other cryptocurrencies cannot be used for the collateral of uncleared swaps. Meanwhile, derivatives clearing organizations may accept these assets as initial margin if they meet strict credit, market, and liquidity risk requirements set by the CFTC.
The agency’s capital charge framework for collateral is designed to align with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Firms must apply a significant 20% capital charge for positions in Bitcoin and Ether, while stablecoins require a 2% charge.
Participants must also provide prompt notice of Cybersecurity incidents and file weekly reports on total crypto holdings across customer accounts. The reporting obligation will end, and other digital assets can be accepted, after the initial three-month period concludes.
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